1. Positivism: (text pg. 4) theory that theology and metaphysics are earlier imperfect modes of knowledge and that positive knowledge is based on natural phenomena and their properties and relations as verified by the empirical sciences.

Professor James Donaldson used the positivist approach to his educational research study by gathering quantitative data on number of hours spent studying for history exams and the academic success).

2. Generalizability: (text pg. 10) use of results in other situations with other individuals.

Due to the generalizability of the study on teachers using small groups during instruction, school districts (both elementary and secondary) used the results to make changes in recommended practices.

John Rolfe, a high school science teacher, used action research to find out whether the lab work students performed in his classroom helped them understand the material more clearly.

4. Evaluation research: (text pg. 16) judgments for decision making.

The Bellevue School district used evaluation research to determine whether they should implement their ELL program in all middle schools.

Reflection

The first class in Educational Inquiry provided an introduction to the course, as well as an introduction to educational research. In the commencement of this course, we brainstormed questions that we may be interested in researching regarding education today. I found this to be the most interesting and engaging part of the class as I got to hear my classmates give great ideas regarding ELL classrooms, free and reduced lunch and its impact on academic success, the influence of extracurriculars, parental involvement and the list goes on and on. One of the ideas I have interest in involves the impact of exercise or athletics on academic success. As it turns out, I am now in that group for the project and get to head down that path.

My interest in that subject comes from a couple of different areas in my life. First, I find that I am much more alert, mentally engaged and motivated when I exercise. I don’t know the science behind or why that necessarily occurs, but I know it is true. I also spoke to a couple other friends who feel the same way. Secondly, as a high school basketball coach I see the effect that athletics can have on self-esteem, love of school, and organization. I wonder if this is the case for most students? Thus my biggest learning is my biggest question. Essentially it is the question posed on page 11 of the text: What is the relationship between physical conditioning and academic achievement?